Matt Harvey will try to rehab his injured elbow without reconstructive surgery, a move the young ace hopes is going to keep him on the mound for the New York Mets next season.

Tommy John surgery remains a possibility. Harvey will soon begin a throwing program designed to last as much as six to eight weeks. If he feels pain or other symptoms that hinder his pitching, he likely will need the operation, which probably would likely sideline him for the entire 2014 season.

The decision was announced Tuesday evening at Citi Field, one day after Harvey was examined by Dr. James Andrews to get a second opinion on his right elbow. The 24-year-old pitcher was diagnosed with a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament by Mets doctors on Aug. 26.

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